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netslummer's review
4.0
3.5/5 rounded up.
After how completely insufferable and one dimensional Dash was in the first installment of this series, I only continued onto the second book because of how much I liked the character Cody in his bit parts in the first. The impression I got from Cody in the first book do not hold up to this one.
In the first book I assumed (and this could completely be on me for missing descriptors?) he was a late 20's veteran with some PTSD issues. Turns out he's a 37 year old amputee (which isn't mentioned until a weirdly far into the book moment. Which is like fine but felt like an afterthought) with PTSD who has apparently never managed to have a conversation with another adult human. Like dude is almost 40. Get it together, bud.
Dean is a ray of sunshine and completely exhausting.
The main conflict separating our boys is a lack of adult communication, a sure fire way to get me to stop caring about their romance. If you have ONE conversation the problem is solved and the book ends on page 10 happily ever after. Snooze.
Manufacturing drama through lack of communication is boring.
Dash was just as one dimensional and crap as he was in the first book and I was bummed I had to see even this much of him again.
So why did I rate it so high? I love the concept of the series and the lore and work that went into creating the park and the 'this isn't Disney but I mean a little bit right?' prince and princess lore and stuff is really fun.
I won't be continuing with this series. It just didn't connect with me. I wanted so badly for this one to pull it back because I loved Cody in the first book. Weirdly he turned into almost a different character in this one.
After how completely insufferable and one dimensional Dash was in the first installment of this series, I only continued onto the second book because of how much I liked the character Cody in his bit parts in the first. The impression I got from Cody in the first book do not hold up to this one.
In the first book I assumed (and this could completely be on me for missing descriptors?) he was a late 20's veteran with some PTSD issues. Turns out he's a 37 year old amputee (which isn't mentioned until a weirdly far into the book moment. Which is like fine but felt like an afterthought) with PTSD who has apparently never managed to have a conversation with another adult human. Like dude is almost 40. Get it together, bud.
Dean is a ray of sunshine and completely exhausting.
The main conflict separating our boys is a lack of adult communication, a sure fire way to get me to stop caring about their romance. If you have ONE conversation the problem is solved and the book ends on page 10 happily ever after. Snooze.
Manufacturing drama through lack of communication is boring.
Dash was just as one dimensional and crap as he was in the first book and I was bummed I had to see even this much of him again.
So why did I rate it so high? I love the concept of the series and the lore and work that went into creating the park and the 'this isn't Disney but I mean a little bit right?' prince and princess lore and stuff is really fun.
I won't be continuing with this series. It just didn't connect with me. I wanted so badly for this one to pull it back because I loved Cody in the first book. Weirdly he turned into almost a different character in this one.
lolasreviews's review
4.0
After reading the first book in this series I immediately bought book 2 and I started this one not long after book 1 as I wanted to return to this fun sweet romance series. Mischief and Mayhem follows a new couple, this time Cody, whom we met in book 1 already as a side character, and Dean, a new character.
The two main characters of this book meet when Cody tries to go for a ride in the Spaceship Mayhem roller coaster. Dean works at the roller coaster and guides people into their seats. Until one day when Cody stops by, but runs away again before he can ride the roller coaster. Cody has PTSD and something about the roller coaster makes him anxious. After multiple failed attempts, Dean makes contact and asks if maybe he can help Cody with the roller coaster. That's the start of a new friendship that slowly turns into more.
I liked Cody in book 1 already and I liked seeing him get the spotlight and his chance for happiness in this book. He's been through a lot in the war and now he's doing some security at the park. He likes his job and has a decent life, but he still struggles with some nightmares, fears and PTSD and doesn't realize how lonely his life is at times until Dean worms his way into his life.
Dean was also easy to like with his affectionate way and how friendly and cheerful he was all the time. He really wore his heart on his sleeve. Although I did found the first time he talked to Cody a bit weird after he looked him up and then interrupted his work. At first I sometimes struggles a bit with him and the romance, but the further I got in the book the better it got. Dean was like an excited puppy at times, making everyone happy and he loved interacting with people. There's this awesome scene late in the book where he makes two new friends in a matter of minutes as that's just the type of person he is. It was quite adorable how he acted and I liked how he interacted with Cody.
So at first I didn't really feel the romance. There was the big age difference, which is a trope that not always works for me. Then there was the way Cody was this hardened and troubled veteran, while Dean was this cheerful young guy. But once the book progressed and I got to know both characters better I came to like that difference in personalities. How Dean was good for Cody and also how Cody was there for Dean. And how that difference in personality actually worked really well. The closer they grew together the less the age thing seemed to matter too. By the end I was fully invested in seeing them together. I only wish we got to see a bit more of what comes next, but maybe in future books we catch some glimpses of that.
Their romance is a bit of a friends to lovers romance. They become friends first and then slowly begin to feel more. There is a bit of a misunderstanding, which prevents things from going further and then another trouble they run into later on. I thought it all developed in a realistic and interesting way.
This book has a bit of a different tone than book 1, but also is similar enough if that makes sense. Cody's PTSD makes the tone a bit different from book 1 and with this romance developing differently. But it also had a lot of similarities to book 1 like the theme park and how fun it was. I also like how these romances develop, without too much of the typical tropes and the hurdles the couples have to overcome feeling realistic for the characters.
It also was fun to see some recurring side characters again in this book. As Cody works with the characters from book 1 we see some of the same side characters there, like Lennon and the princesses. Then there's Charlie who also makes an appearance (he will be the main character of the next book, yay!). And also some new side characters, like Dean's best friend, Dean's family and a new coworker for Cody. Then there is the couple from book 1 that we see more of and it was fun to see them as a couple now.
I liked being back in this theme park. With Dean working in the space themed part of the park we see a whole different side of the park. And at the same time we still see a lot of the Enchanted Forest part too as Cody works there. It was a nice way to combine the more familiar part with a different part of the park.
To summarize: This was another fun read in this series. The tone is slightly different and a tad darker with Cody struggling with PTSD, but it was handled well and didn't overtake the plot, while still being an important part as well. It was nice to see Cody, whom we met in book 1 already get his story now. Dean was a new character and I liked his cheerful happy manner, with how he genuinely wanted to help people and make their day better. Where Cody is more serious and a bit hardened due to what he has gone through. It's interesting to see these two characters who are so different fall for each other. I struggled a bit with the romance at first, not fully seeing how their different personalities would work together and the big age difference thing isn't my favorite trope. The further I got the more I enjoyed it and by the end of the book I really liked these two together and saw how good they were for each other. It also was fun to see the couple from book 1 as side characters now and some recurring as well as new side characters. I also liked visiting this fictional theme park again and seeing some familiar parts again as well as seeing more of the space part of the park. All in all this was a great sequel and I am looking forward tor book 3!
The two main characters of this book meet when Cody tries to go for a ride in the Spaceship Mayhem roller coaster. Dean works at the roller coaster and guides people into their seats. Until one day when Cody stops by, but runs away again before he can ride the roller coaster. Cody has PTSD and something about the roller coaster makes him anxious. After multiple failed attempts, Dean makes contact and asks if maybe he can help Cody with the roller coaster. That's the start of a new friendship that slowly turns into more.
I liked Cody in book 1 already and I liked seeing him get the spotlight and his chance for happiness in this book. He's been through a lot in the war and now he's doing some security at the park. He likes his job and has a decent life, but he still struggles with some nightmares, fears and PTSD and doesn't realize how lonely his life is at times until Dean worms his way into his life.
Dean was also easy to like with his affectionate way and how friendly and cheerful he was all the time. He really wore his heart on his sleeve. Although I did found the first time he talked to Cody a bit weird after he looked him up and then interrupted his work. At first I sometimes struggles a bit with him and the romance, but the further I got in the book the better it got. Dean was like an excited puppy at times, making everyone happy and he loved interacting with people. There's this awesome scene late in the book where he makes two new friends in a matter of minutes as that's just the type of person he is. It was quite adorable how he acted and I liked how he interacted with Cody.
So at first I didn't really feel the romance. There was the big age difference, which is a trope that not always works for me. Then there was the way Cody was this hardened and troubled veteran, while Dean was this cheerful young guy. But once the book progressed and I got to know both characters better I came to like that difference in personalities. How Dean was good for Cody and also how Cody was there for Dean. And how that difference in personality actually worked really well. The closer they grew together the less the age thing seemed to matter too. By the end I was fully invested in seeing them together. I only wish we got to see a bit more of what comes next, but maybe in future books we catch some glimpses of that.
Their romance is a bit of a friends to lovers romance. They become friends first and then slowly begin to feel more. There is a bit of a misunderstanding, which prevents things from going further and then another trouble they run into later on. I thought it all developed in a realistic and interesting way.
This book has a bit of a different tone than book 1, but also is similar enough if that makes sense. Cody's PTSD makes the tone a bit different from book 1 and with this romance developing differently. But it also had a lot of similarities to book 1 like the theme park and how fun it was. I also like how these romances develop, without too much of the typical tropes and the hurdles the couples have to overcome feeling realistic for the characters.
It also was fun to see some recurring side characters again in this book. As Cody works with the characters from book 1 we see some of the same side characters there, like Lennon and the princesses. Then there's Charlie who also makes an appearance (he will be the main character of the next book, yay!). And also some new side characters, like Dean's best friend, Dean's family and a new coworker for Cody. Then there is the couple from book 1 that we see more of and it was fun to see them as a couple now.
I liked being back in this theme park. With Dean working in the space themed part of the park we see a whole different side of the park. And at the same time we still see a lot of the Enchanted Forest part too as Cody works there. It was a nice way to combine the more familiar part with a different part of the park.
To summarize: This was another fun read in this series. The tone is slightly different and a tad darker with Cody struggling with PTSD, but it was handled well and didn't overtake the plot, while still being an important part as well. It was nice to see Cody, whom we met in book 1 already get his story now. Dean was a new character and I liked his cheerful happy manner, with how he genuinely wanted to help people and make their day better. Where Cody is more serious and a bit hardened due to what he has gone through. It's interesting to see these two characters who are so different fall for each other. I struggled a bit with the romance at first, not fully seeing how their different personalities would work together and the big age difference thing isn't my favorite trope. The further I got the more I enjoyed it and by the end of the book I really liked these two together and saw how good they were for each other. It also was fun to see the couple from book 1 as side characters now and some recurring as well as new side characters. I also liked visiting this fictional theme park again and seeing some familiar parts again as well as seeing more of the space part of the park. All in all this was a great sequel and I am looking forward tor book 3!
ccreadsbooks_'s review
5.0
Have you ever been eating the most delicious candy and just decided to stop eating it? No? Me neither. That's how I feel about Jaxon Knight's Fairyland Romances. Mischief and Mayhem is just as sweet and engaging as the first in the series. Cody's a bit damaged and Dean is just the balm he didn't know he needed. If you like sweet stories, with heat this series is for you ♥️
sonny's review
5.0
**I am recc'ing this LGBTQ+ series [mainly M/M] for anyone who liked the premise of what R. S. Grey did for HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS but felt a little shafted in the telling.
--More than anything, though... Jaxon Knight is a new-to-me non-binary spectacular wonderful Author [and a damn interesting storyteller!!]...who is my ONE TO WATCH...forever and ever...
Okay, this story is about a 23yr old Bisexual male, Dean, and a 37yr old gay veteran w/a prosthetic leg, Cody.
All right, we met Cody in Book 1 as he is working for Fantasyland Security and was in charge of looking after Nate and his Princess.
Now, we get Cody's story whom I was very interested in because when I heard about his military service and the fact he had a prosthetic leg... AND WAS GAY and basically so much older than a lot of these young men, I was sold!!
Anyway, the whole book is about Cody having to deal with his PTSD and being able to ride this new roller-coaster at the theme park which reminds him too much of his fighter pilot days in the military.
It's such a sweet, enchanting story being told through a single metaphor but it ends beautifully and Dean has now begun to rival Nate as most adorkable male MC.
I swear, it's not even mattering a whole helluva lot that these stories are so gosh-darn sweet and clean - meaning NO SEX - but there is kissing and snuggling and people bonding with intimacy rather than sexuality.
Like... each male MC that Jaxon has created permeates this ingrained need for companionship, which deserves to be cultivated into love.
And they fact they don't use having sex as a quick tool to show compatibility proves that it's not what drives a good romantic story.
Cody and Dean have chemistry and beautiful discussions though sometimes they might flub and take a mist-step... they do end up having a mature discussion eventually.
And I don't know who wouldn't love a couple's romantic story being told where you can palpitate the actual NEED to NEED one another and for love to be simply around the corner.
This whole book series has been a refreshing change for me to read...thank God!
--More than anything, though... Jaxon Knight is a new-to-me non-binary spectacular wonderful Author [and a damn interesting storyteller!!]...who is my ONE TO WATCH...forever and ever...
Okay, this story is about a 23yr old Bisexual male, Dean, and a 37yr old gay veteran w/a prosthetic leg, Cody.
All right, we met Cody in Book 1 as he is working for Fantasyland Security and was in charge of looking after Nate and his Princess.
Now, we get Cody's story whom I was very interested in because when I heard about his military service and the fact he had a prosthetic leg... AND WAS GAY and basically so much older than a lot of these young men, I was sold!!
Anyway, the whole book is about Cody having to deal with his PTSD and being able to ride this new roller-coaster at the theme park which reminds him too much of his fighter pilot days in the military.
It's such a sweet, enchanting story being told through a single metaphor but it ends beautifully and Dean has now begun to rival Nate as most adorkable male MC.
I swear, it's not even mattering a whole helluva lot that these stories are so gosh-darn sweet and clean - meaning NO SEX - but there is kissing and snuggling and people bonding with intimacy rather than sexuality.
Like... each male MC that Jaxon has created permeates this ingrained need for companionship, which deserves to be cultivated into love.
And they fact they don't use having sex as a quick tool to show compatibility proves that it's not what drives a good romantic story.
Cody and Dean have chemistry and beautiful discussions though sometimes they might flub and take a mist-step... they do end up having a mature discussion eventually.
And I don't know who wouldn't love a couple's romantic story being told where you can palpitate the actual NEED to NEED one another and for love to be simply around the corner.
This whole book series has been a refreshing change for me to read...thank God!
bobbiesdustypages's review
2.0
Cute but missed the mark
True rating 2.5
I absolutely loved Book One and was just waiting to read book two especially since I really wanted to read more about Cody. The book started out great a little more serious then Book One since Cody is not only trying to get over his fear of a Roller Coaster but also dealing with PTSD. All in all I enjoyed the plot and most of the characters but there was sadly one big problem for me that just kept getting worse the longer I read and that was Dean. For me there is a fine line between cute, adorable, naive characters and annoying acts like they're a 12 year old naive character and for me Dean not only crossed that line but flew past it at hyper speed.
I will say I am excited to dive back in for Book Three and I'm hoping it's full of snark.
True rating 2.5
I absolutely loved Book One and was just waiting to read book two especially since I really wanted to read more about Cody. The book started out great a little more serious then Book One since Cody is not only trying to get over his fear of a Roller Coaster but also dealing with PTSD. All in all I enjoyed the plot and most of the characters but there was sadly one big problem for me that just kept getting worse the longer I read and that was Dean. For me there is a fine line between cute, adorable, naive characters and annoying acts like they're a 12 year old naive character and for me Dean not only crossed that line but flew past it at hyper speed.
I will say I am excited to dive back in for Book Three and I'm hoping it's full of snark.
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